Effectively Using the Multiple Roles of the Missionary

Abstract

This thesis investigates the proper use of the various roles of the missionary. These roles are the missionary as pastor and the missionary as mentor. Used appropriately, the missionary can proceed with his goal of establishing an indigenous church in the most efficient manner possible. In the history of WELS world missions, there was a tendency for a missionary to remain in the role of pastor for too long or transition to the role of mentor too early, hindering the progress of the indigenous church. For that reason, effective use of roles and the ability to transition between them was investigated. The topic was researched by studying the history of the WELS world missions; general church missiology, which influenced WELS mission philosophy; other church bodies’ mission work; and interviews with WELS world mission board committee members and as well as past and present WELS world missionaries.